In the early days, wristwatches were primarily tools for telling time, with a clear hierarchy based on quality; consumers purchased them for their craftsmanship, and the market was healthy. Today, however, wristwatches have evolved into luxury items that serve as symbols of status and prestige. Many buyers are driven not by genuine appreciation or practical utility, but by the allure of brand names and the desire to show off. Consequently, market pricing is now largely dictated by brand reputation; a watch with a base value of 30,000 might sell for 60,000—a case of style over substance. This dynamic has driven up the prices of high-end watches, making significant discounts a rarity. Even more noteworthy is the fact that, despite using identical base movements, a "date-only" model from one brand might command a higher price than a "day-date" model from another.
